Klopp II ?

You know we love a bit of speculation. I’ll never go with an absolute flier, but if I sniff a story and I can get somewhere near confirming it I’ll always let you know.

So here’s one. I got a tip over the weekend that both Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards could be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

Hughes, I think, we know definitely is. There’s been a lot of press suggesting he’s got a job in Saudi. But when I was told Edwards could also be on his way again, I really sat up.

I’d have to say both should be on their way. What a mess they made of that massive transfer spend last summer. I’m not saying they got it all wrong, but signing Isak was one of their mistakes

Clearly they felt a loyalty to him, having encouraged him to make the fuss he did about leaving Newcastle, but by the time they got a resolution to the saga, they really didn’t need him. They should’ve walked away from the deal.

Ekitike has established himself as their first choice 9. He’s been terrific. Surely they knew they only needed one or the other? And did they really need Wirtz? He’s been a massive disappointment and was wildly over valued.

You could argue the case for Kerkez, who was terrific at Bournemouth, but Lost doesn’t use him properly. He’s a raiding full-back, not an inverted one. Who got that wrong? And missing out on Geuhi was poor. That deal should’ve been done a lot earlier.

Anyway. I digress. Here’s a couple of things that make what I’m about to say ‘possible’.

Liverpool have put on hold their multi-club project. Why I wonder?

Liverpool fans have been doing the unthinkable this season - leaving games early. Plans to develop the stadium further don’t work if supporters aren’t enjoying what they see and don’t go. I’ve said for a long time, Lost’s brand of football isn’t what they want. They want ‘rock and roll’ not tippy tappy. So……

Lost was smart leaving things well alone when he took over. It was Klopp’s team that won the title last season. This one is his and it’s been coming up short too often. It’s been an awful title defence.

Edwards recommended Lost. He’s his man. If one goes perhaps the other goes as well?

What we also know is Edwards and Klopp don’t get on. Klopp won the first power struggle between the two. I can’t imagine a scenario where they could be at the same club again, so…….

Here’s the rub. And I haven’t had this denied. Instead, what I get when I ask those close to these kind of things is ‘possibly’.

Possibly? Well if I’m a Liverpool fan reading this, I’m drawing the same conclusions as I did before writing. Is it ‘possible’ we’re on the cusp of Klopp II ?

Ironically, he’s back at Anfield this weekend for the legends game. Is it ‘possible’ he’ll feel as comfortable as he once did at the famous arena? I’ll tell you this - it’s inconceivable someone at Anfield hasn’t already asked the question. Watch this space.

When I was a lad and complained to my dad he wasn’t being ‘fair’ he would say ‘there’s no such thing. Fairness means getting your own way. That’s what it really means’. I’ve always thought he had a point.

How many times have any of us said ‘that’s not fair’, with a view to persuading someone to change their mind? Think about it.

So, we’ll go with my dad’s view but add that being ‘fair’ this weekend meant utter stupidity. What on earth was Arteta thinking starting Kepa? The man is an accident waiting to happen. And, of course, the accident happened.

Arteta said he thought it ‘fair’ to start him. Wrong. Kepa is No 2 for a reason. Lucky to be No 2 at Arsenal I’d add. No - Arteta dropped a bollock. It was a final for goodness sake, so play your best team.

I know Guardiola picked Trafford and that surprised me, but he got away with it. Trafford wasn’t ever threatened. Arsenal didn’t show up. What a pity. And all the more confusing because they know they can beat City - especially this City. This group are fragile and nowhere near as good as their predecessors.

So there we have it. Arsenal’s quad bid over a matter of days after City's ended in the CL. I’ll repeat what I’ve always said - it won’t ever be done. There’s a good reason it won’t be - because its impossible.

Another whisper I picked up recently - and I don’t think this will come as a surprise to anybody - I’m told the Saudi’s are looking to sell Newcastle.

Regulars know I’ve been saying for some time the project was over Apparently there are interested parties, but the Saud’s want £1b. £500m is nearer the mark.

Good luck to Andy Carroll in his new job at Dagenham. Enjoy it while you can Andy. I’ve got a feeling it won’t last long.

And Everton have got themselves an official sauce supplier - Heinz. I know. Nor me. 🤷‍♂️. But they certainly had the wind behind them as they smashed Chelsea. Perhaps if Carroll impresses with the Daggers he’ll be in line to replace Rosenior in May? Why not? Someone is going to have to.